Seanad debates
Wednesday, 2 July 2003
Forfás Consumer Pricing Report 2003: Statements.
There is little doubt that decisions must be taken regarding the grocery business. I have believed in competition all my life. I started my business in the 1960s when the Fair Trade Commission was in place. I gave evidence to the commission and strongly argued that below cost selling should be allowed and that customers should have the right to avail of it. I continue to believe in open competition, although I am aware that many of the interests involved would not welcome it. It would have to be in the interests of consumers if, for example, a supermarket decided to sell below cost instead of spending money on fancy advertisements. Nevertheless, it would be unfair to some traders who would argue that big traders would take their business. The Government would be required to make a decision in such circumstances.
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